Thrombophlebitis Health Article

Definition

Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot.

Alternative Names

Phlebitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The following increase your chances for thrombophlebitis:

• Being hospitalized for a major surgery or with a major illness
• Disorders that make you more likely to develop blood clots
• Sitting for a long period of time (such as on a long airplane trip)

There are two main types of thrombophlebitis:

• Deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins)
• Superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface)

Symptoms

The following symptoms are often associated with thrombophlebitis:

• Inflammation (swelling) in the part of the body affected
• Pain in the part of the body affected
• Skin redness (not always present)
• Warmth and tenderness over the vein

Signs and tests

The health care provider can usually diagnose the condition based on how the affected area looks. You may need to have your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and circulation frequently checked to make sure you don't have complications.

If the cause cannot be easily identified, one or more of the following tests may be done:

• Blood coagulation studies
• Doppler ultrasound
• Venography

Treatment

In general, treatment may include support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort as well as medications such as:

• Analgesics (pain killers)
• Antibiotics (if infection is present)
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent new clots from forming
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
• Thrombolytics to dissolve an existing clot

You may be told to do the following:

• Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain
• Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage
• Raise the affected area to reduce swelling

Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.

For more specific recommendations, see the particular condition (superficial thrombophlebitis or deep venous thrombosis).

Expectations (prognosis)

Thrombophlebitis and other forms of phlebitis usually respond to prompt medical treatment.